In this laid-back catch-up episode, Alicia & Aleni reflect on the whirlwind of the holiday season and how it impacted their kids’ sleep schedules. From navigating the inevitable illnesses that seem to tag along with winter festivities to the balancing act of New Year’s traditions and letting the kids stay up late, we’re diving into it all.

Plus, they sprinkle in some random but relatable mom-life moments that are sure to make you laugh, nod along, or breathe a sigh of relief. Grab your coffee or cozy up in bed for this candid conversation—you won’t want to miss it!

Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.

Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.

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Have you ever asked your toddler to put on their shoes, only to be met with a firm “no” or outright refusal? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into Dr. Gordon Neufeld’s concept of counterwill—a developmentally normal, instinctive response to feeling controlled. Counterwill isn’t defiance for the sake of defiance; it’s a protective mechanism that helps toddlers assert their autonomy while preserving their psychological boundaries.

We’ll explore why this behavior shows up most strongly during toddlerhood and how it’s tied to attachment. You’ll learn practical, connection-based strategies to navigate these moments, from playful approaches to respecting your child’s autonomy with simple choices. By shifting from control to connection, you can turn resistance into cooperation while fostering a deeper bond with your child.

Plus, Alicia shares a little weekend magic as she recounts taking her six-year-old to Taylor Swift’s Final Eras Tour

Tune in for practical advice, relatable stories, and a reminder that parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about leading with love.

Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.

Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.

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The holidays are here, and with them comes one of the most debated parenting decisions: What do we do about Santa? In this episode, We're sharing our approach to the Santa tradition, how we handle the “Is Santa real?” question, and why it’s okay if your choices look different from ours.

We’ll talk about balancing the magic of the season with honesty, teaching kids to respect other families’ traditions, and focusing on the bigger picture of connection and generosity during the holidays. Whether you’re all in on Santa, opting out, or somewhere in between, this episode is all about trusting your instincts and creating traditions that feel right for your family.

Grab a cozy drink and join me for this fun and heartfelt holiday chat!

Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.

Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.

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The holidays are a time for joy and connection—but they can also come with a side of unsolicited advice from well-meaning family members. In this episode, we tackle common comments like, “Why don’t you just let them cry it out?” or, “You’re still nursing to sleep?” and share strategies for handling them with confidence and grace.

We’ll explore why these comments can feel so triggering, how to understand family perspectives, and practical ways to set boundaries while keeping the holidays peaceful. From gentle comebacks to creating safe spaces for your family’s needs, this episode is packed with tips to help you trust your parenting instincts and keep the focus on what really matters—making memories with your little ones.

Tune in for insights, humor, and a reminder that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your parenting choices. Let’s make this holiday season joyful for everyone!

Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.

Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.

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Many new moms struggle with feeling disconnected from their bodies postpartum. In this episode, we’re joined by holistic nutritionist Teri-Ann, who specializes in supporting postpartum moms on their journey to healing and balance. Together, we unpack the role of nutrition in overcoming postpartum depletion, managing sugar cravings and energy crashes, and shifting the focus from weight loss to true nourishment and recovery.

Teri-Ann shares her insights on essential nutrients for healing, practical tips for breastfeeding moms, and how food can be a powerful tool in supporting mental health, especially for those navigating postpartum anxiety or depression. Plus, she offers advice for partners and family members on how they can help support new moms nutritionally with simple, go-to meals.

Feeling overwhelmed? Teri-Ann breaks it down with one small, impactful change moms can make today to start feeling more supported and balanced. She has also included her free meal guide designed specifically for new moms!

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Book 1:1 Services Here

Grab a copy of her FREE Meal Guide for New Moms

Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.

Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.

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In this week's episode, We take a break from the usual deep dives to catch up on the real-life challenges and wins we are experiencing as parents. We get honest about recent bedtime battles, how the time change has thrown off our kids' schedules, and the small but impactful strategies we use to stay on the same page with our partners through weekly parent meetings.

We also share when our kids finally started consistently sleeping through the night and the creative ways we fill up our kids' emotional "cups."

Tune in for a candid, relatable conversation filled with laughs, insights, and the little things that make parenting just a bit easier.

Link for weekly planner

Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.

Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.

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In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Crystal, a Registered Counsellor and the voice behind The Gentle Counsellor, to explore the profound impact of Attachment Theory on parenting and the essential role of self-love in raising secure, confident children. Crystal shares her journey into Perinatal Mental Health and Attachment Theory, shaped by her own experiences as a mom and her passion for supporting families.

Together, we break down what it truly means to practice authoritative parenting—setting boundaries with warmth, empathy, and respect. Crystal guides us through common misconceptions about attachment, revealing how a secure foundation early on can shape a child’s self-worth, relationships, and resilience. She also offers compassionate advice for parents working through their own attachment histories, emphasizing the transformative power of self-love and mental well-being in the parenting journey.

Whether you're new to Attachment Theory or looking for ways to nurture both yourself and your children, this episode is packed with practical insights, gentle reminders, and affirmations that you’re already doing so much for your child’s growth. Tune in for a nurturing conversation full of tips on fostering secure attachment, prioritizing mental health, and modeling self-compassion—no matter where you’re starting from.

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Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.

Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.

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In this episode, we dive into a question many parents find themselves asking in the early hours: "Why is my baby waking up every hour?". While hourly wake-ups can sometimes be a normal part of development, they can also signal underlying issues that may need extra attention.

We’ll explore some of the potential reasons behind frequent waking, from the typical challenges like teething pain and progressions in development to more complex red flags, including feeding difficulties, reflux, and undiagnosed oral ties, iron deficiency, allergies, body tension, and what signs to watch for.

Join us as we unpack these often overlooked causes of disrupted sleep in infants and toddlers, helping you navigate the path to more restful nights.

Study mentioned regarding iron and breastmilk

Episode’s mentioned in this episode: 

S2E5: Supporting Baby's Development: Milestones, Motor Skills, and More with Dr. Bonnie Soto

S1E18 Empowering Moms with Chiropractic Care: Interview with Dr. Sarah Shepherd

Lucky Iron Fish: US Link CAD Link

Tiny Health Gut Test: Use the code ALICIA for $20 off

Free To Feed Allergy support: Use the code Aliciadyshon for 10% off

The breathe institute directory-Preferred providers for oral ties.

Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.

Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.

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This week, we dive into the viral moment that sparked a wave of conversation among moms everywhere. It all started when Hannah, a newly postpartum mom of two, shared a raw, unfiltered video of herself collecting 17 diapers scattered around her home after a long day of solo parenting. What followed was a flood of harsh, judgmental comments in the thread, shaming her for not "having it together."

In this episode, we talk about our own postpartum experiences, the reality of being in survival mode, and why what we see online is only a tiny glimpse of someone's life. You never know what someone is really going through—whether it's birth trauma, postpartum depression, anxiety, or a complete lack of support. We'll unpack the harmful effects of mom-shaming and share how this viral moment unexpectedly turned into a beautiful movement of support, as other moms began sharing their own “17 diapers” stories.

From postpartum mental health struggles to the pressure of keeping up a perfect image, this episode is a reminder that moms need more support, not more criticism. Tune in for an honest conversation that highlights the importance of vulnerability and community during one of the most challenging times in a parent's life.

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Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.

Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.

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In this episode, we’re unpacking the term "gentle" sleep training and why it may not be as nurturing as it seems. You’ve probably heard these methods described as kinder, with less crying and more parental involvement. But here’s the truth—many of these approaches still operate under the idea that independent sleep skill are necessary for a good night's rest.

We’ll dive into how misattunement happens when caregivers unintentionally misread or inconsistently respond to their baby’s needs, and why focusing on sleep goals over emotional connection can lead to anxiety for both parent and child.

Tune in to hear why being attuned to your child's sleep needs & emotional needs—not sleep training with a softer label—is the key to fostering secure, healthy sleep habits.

Episodes mentioned in this episode:

S1E11: I Regret Sleep Training: How To Mend After The Fact

S1E8: Nurturing Sleep & Birth with Blake Stewart

Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.

Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.

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Work with Alicia & Aleni